Chapter 21 Angry Mother "I depart for Chao City at first light tomorrow, Mother. The mission will likely keep me away for more than ten days. I trust all will be in readiness for the formalities upon my return." Qi Rong delivered this statement coolly before turning on his heel to exit. He left the room with a swift and decisive stride that prevented any possibility of a rebuttal. He was far too eager to dispatch a letter to Ma Ting with his news. Ma Ting was in her chambers, preparing to retire for the evening, when the messenger's letter arrived. After reading about his assignment to manage the flood threats in Chao City, she instantly remembered the personal journals kept by her late father on that very subject. She rose from her seat and secured her robe. "Ding Jie, request the courier to delay his departure for a moment. I have something of importance to send back to Lord Zhu." Recognizing the urgency in her mistress' tone, Ding Jie rushed to the main hall to deliver the message. Ma Ting fastened a cloak over her nightclothes, went directly to her father's old study to retrieve the valuable volume of his flood management strategies, and instructed her maid to ensure it reached the messenger. It was not proper for her to be seen by a male visitor while in her night attire. She waited patiently in her room until Ding Jie returned, her expression bright and cheerful. "Ms. Ting, His Grace also sent many generous gifts! The courier did not mention them initially. Everything has been placed in the main storeroom for you to examine in the morning." Ma Ting felt a genuine wave of appreciation for Qi Rong's unexpectedly considerate nature/ She glanced down at the letter she still held, and the nervous tension that had knotted her stomach all night began to loosen its grip. "The marriage will be officially sealed by His Majesty's own decree. We must simply await His Grace's return from his duties, which should coincide with the Mid-Autumn banquet celebrations." Ding Jie calculated the time quickly. "But that is barely twenty days from now, Ms. Ting! You have not even chosen the silk for your wedding robes! "Your previous arrangements are no longer suitable. Twenty days could never be enough time to prepare properly." A soft laugh escaped Ma Ting as she observed her maid's alarmed expression. "You worry too much. The imperial announcement will be made in twenty days, but the wedding ceremony itself will be schedule for a later date." Ding Jie visibly relaxed, though a new concern soon clouded her features, and she leaned in closer. "Will you be calling on Lady Miao to pay your respects, Ms. Ting?" 1/ Ma Ting's eyes revealed a flicker of thoughtful hesitation before she gave a slow shake of her head. The arrangement is not yet public knowledge. An unscheduled visit now would only offend her further. I will present myself to offer apologies only after His Majesty's will has been formally declared." A sudden appearance at the House of Lord Zhu without the official decree as her reason, would undoubtedly start a fresh wave of intrusive gossip. It was a short wait of twenty days. She would dedicate the time to her own necessary preparations. "A wise decision. You must rest now, Ms. Ting. Tomorrow, I will accompany you to select new materials for your trousseau." Ma Ting answered with a quiet nod and a smile. The calming fragrance of bamboo incense filled her room, allowing her tension to finally dissolve into a deep and restful sleep. Lady Miao, in stark contrast, found no rest that night, her anger over her son's unilateral decision burning brightly. Therefore, the next morning, the moment she learned of Ma Ting's planned visit to the jeweler, she summoned Madam Wu to arrange her attire and departed immediately to inspect the girl who had so captivated her son. Inside the lavishly appointed carriage, Madam Wu watched her mistress' continued irritation and concealed a slight smile. "My lady, you previously held the Ma family daughter in such high regard. This sudden displeasure is quite a change." Lady Miao responded with several sharp, irritated exhales. "I admired her resilience! I even contemplated finding a suitable husband for her myself. I never expected her to target my own son!" The prevalent gossip in Ming City claimed Ma Ting possessed great beauty but lacked intelligence and refinement. This image filled Lady Miao with a powerful dread that the girl might be a shallow temptress like others who graced noble courts. She feared her son could be led into a disastrous predicament. Madam Wu, having served Lady Miao since her youth, understood these fears intimately. "The Ma orphan is isolated and utterly vulnerable, my lady. She suffered a profound humiliation from the Marquis Sunfair family. "His Grace's decision to honor her family's legacy by marrying her will be seen as a deeply compassionate and noble act. It will earn him greater esteem from the civil officials at court. "Moreover, the Ma name carries no political weight anymore. This union poses no threat to our household's standing." Madam Wu spoke these words in a soft, confidential tone that noticeably cooled Lady Miao's anger. The practical reasoning began to penetrate her upset, and she released a long, weary sigh. "The logic is sound, of course. My anxiety simply will not quiet itself." Madam Wu offered a comforting pat on her mistress' hand. "Set your mind at ease, my lady. His Grace will be absent for nearly 2/ twenty days. We shall have ample opportunity to observe the Ma girl. If her character proves deficient, you can address the matter with him upon his return." This counsel soothed Lady Miao's agitation. Upon arriving at the jeweler's establishment, she proceeded directly upstairs to select a discreet booth that offered a perfect view of the main floor. Ma Ting did not miss the recognizable crest on the carriage parked outside. Correctly assuming its occupant was already inside, she intentionally remained on the ground level. "I understand a new collection of rubies has arrived. Have any been set into finished pieces yet?" The attendant knew her at once and nodded respectfully. "Would you prefer a private viewing room upstairs, Ms. Ting?" "That will not be necessary. The lighting here is excellent for examining gemstones." Ma Ting chose a spot directly under a bright lantern, perfectly positioning herself to be observed clearly from the balcony above. She intended for Lady Miao to see every detail.